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Exchanged
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26A student exchange program mix-up turns hilarious and heartwarming in this "idiots-to-lovers" YA rom-com from debut author Dan Perucco—cultural exchange has never been this complicated.
Enzo Rossi knows Irontown, Michigan—a declining mining town—isn’t exactly a dream study abroad destination. So when his family is chosen to host an exchange student, he jumps at the chance to spend his senior year with a fellow music nerd from the outside world.
But when the Rossis arrive at the airport expecting Davit from Georgia (the country), they’re greeted instead by Garrett Andersen—a handsome football jock from Georgia (the state). Somewhere, something got lost in translation.
Living across the hall from someone so cool, so hot, and so obviously straight is not what Enzo signed up for. He can’t stop putting his foot in his mouth, and Garrett is always ready with a comeback. Enzo writes Garrett off as a spoiled and cocky city boy; Garrett thinks Enzo is too stuck up for his own hometown.
Yet as Garrett dazzles the rest of Irontown with his Southern charm, Enzo keeps stumbling over his own feelings. The longer they’re thrown together, the harder it is for both boys to keep their guard up—and the closer they come to seeing each other clearly for the first time.
Enzo Rossi knows Irontown, Michigan—a declining mining town—isn’t exactly a dream study abroad destination. So when his family is chosen to host an exchange student, he jumps at the chance to spend his senior year with a fellow music nerd from the outside world.
But when the Rossis arrive at the airport expecting Davit from Georgia (the country), they’re greeted instead by Garrett Andersen—a handsome football jock from Georgia (the state). Somewhere, something got lost in translation.
Living across the hall from someone so cool, so hot, and so obviously straight is not what Enzo signed up for. He can’t stop putting his foot in his mouth, and Garrett is always ready with a comeback. Enzo writes Garrett off as a spoiled and cocky city boy; Garrett thinks Enzo is too stuck up for his own hometown.
Yet as Garrett dazzles the rest of Irontown with his Southern charm, Enzo keeps stumbling over his own feelings. The longer they’re thrown together, the harder it is for both boys to keep their guard up—and the closer they come to seeing each other clearly for the first time.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Dan Perucco
1 book14 followersDan Perucco is a middle school English teacher who writes fiction for teens and adults. When he’s not teaching or writing, he directs theater and coaches quiz bowl. He lives in Minnesota with his husband and their floppy rescue dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
February 20, 2026
Disclaimer: This is my husband's debut book and I could not be more proud of him. There. That's out of the way.
That being said, I'm going to do my best to set that aside and review this book as a gay man who: grew up in small town, was super into music/theater and was SOOO not sporty, majored in English and now tries to teach 8th graders to love books, has read his fair share of YA romance, and who has fallen in love with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Just wanted to be clear. Now, let's get to it. There's so much to love about this book.
The setting. This book captures the experience of growing up in a small town so beautifully, highlighting all of the charms, quirks, benefits, and drawbacks that come with it. If you're from a small town, you'll feel like you're right back there. While our towns all have their own "things," so many of those elements are universal: close-knit communities where everyone knows everyone, equal ratio of bars to churches, main streets that are the hub of the town (even though they're shorter than a football field), minimal stoplights (if any), and small high school classes that mean you KNOW what everyone's business is. If you're not from a small town: enjoy this glimpse into a fascinating world of unique customs, local culture, and a pride in the place you come from, even when its weird or feels like it's holding you back. The setting is so well-crafted in this book, it feels like you're there in Irontown, experiencing all its eccentricities for the first time with Garrett and seeing why Enzo loves (and sometimes hates) it so much.
The characters. It seems like I know Enzo. I understand Garrett's struggles. I get the family dynamics. Enzo's classmates make me feel all the things I felt when I was in high school: the closeness of your weirdest friends, the otherness of being queer, the imposter syndrome of hanging around with people way "cooler" than I thought I could ever be. This book's characters are deep and complex and draw you into the story because you want to know more about ALL of them.
The plot. I want to know what's next, every step of the way. Right off the bat I need to know how the exchange mix-up is going to get resolved. I have to know when the enemies-to-lovers shift is going to happen. Which moment is going to be the tipping point? When will they stop butting heads and pissing each other off? When will Garrett's snarky comments go too far? When will Enzo realize he's messing things up because he refuses to see Garrett in any other light than that cocky jock who's always made his life hell? Every beat, the story pushes forward and I want to know more.
The writing. This is the teacher in me, but this book is both accessible for YA readers and offers great depth and reflection. Often I see books where one of these is sacrificed for the other: write a book that will be high-interest and an easy read to get reluctant readers on board, or dive into the deep complexities of youth and queerness and lose a lot of readers in the process. This book balances being engaging (hooking readers and moving the story forward), relatable (the high school experience has some overarching themes and this book hits them all so well), and thoughtful (allowing space for readers to reflect on their own experiences and how they connect to this story). The comedy moments are funny. The emotional moments are impactful. The intimate moments are touching. This book is beautifully written and is, genuinely, a delight to read.
Okay. Longest review I've ever written, but I mean every word. Whether or not my husband wrote this book, I love it for its authenticity, what it captures about the high school and small town experience, and for the loveable, flawed, and fun characters who learn a lot and take us on a journey.
Five stars and this will for sure become a book I read over and over and recommend to my students throughout the years.
Bravo, Dan.
That being said, I'm going to do my best to set that aside and review this book as a gay man who: grew up in small town, was super into music/theater and was SOOO not sporty, majored in English and now tries to teach 8th graders to love books, has read his fair share of YA romance, and who has fallen in love with the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Just wanted to be clear. Now, let's get to it. There's so much to love about this book.
The setting. This book captures the experience of growing up in a small town so beautifully, highlighting all of the charms, quirks, benefits, and drawbacks that come with it. If you're from a small town, you'll feel like you're right back there. While our towns all have their own "things," so many of those elements are universal: close-knit communities where everyone knows everyone, equal ratio of bars to churches, main streets that are the hub of the town (even though they're shorter than a football field), minimal stoplights (if any), and small high school classes that mean you KNOW what everyone's business is. If you're not from a small town: enjoy this glimpse into a fascinating world of unique customs, local culture, and a pride in the place you come from, even when its weird or feels like it's holding you back. The setting is so well-crafted in this book, it feels like you're there in Irontown, experiencing all its eccentricities for the first time with Garrett and seeing why Enzo loves (and sometimes hates) it so much.
The characters. It seems like I know Enzo. I understand Garrett's struggles. I get the family dynamics. Enzo's classmates make me feel all the things I felt when I was in high school: the closeness of your weirdest friends, the otherness of being queer, the imposter syndrome of hanging around with people way "cooler" than I thought I could ever be. This book's characters are deep and complex and draw you into the story because you want to know more about ALL of them.
The plot. I want to know what's next, every step of the way. Right off the bat I need to know how the exchange mix-up is going to get resolved. I have to know when the enemies-to-lovers shift is going to happen. Which moment is going to be the tipping point? When will they stop butting heads and pissing each other off? When will Garrett's snarky comments go too far? When will Enzo realize he's messing things up because he refuses to see Garrett in any other light than that cocky jock who's always made his life hell? Every beat, the story pushes forward and I want to know more.
The writing. This is the teacher in me, but this book is both accessible for YA readers and offers great depth and reflection. Often I see books where one of these is sacrificed for the other: write a book that will be high-interest and an easy read to get reluctant readers on board, or dive into the deep complexities of youth and queerness and lose a lot of readers in the process. This book balances being engaging (hooking readers and moving the story forward), relatable (the high school experience has some overarching themes and this book hits them all so well), and thoughtful (allowing space for readers to reflect on their own experiences and how they connect to this story). The comedy moments are funny. The emotional moments are impactful. The intimate moments are touching. This book is beautifully written and is, genuinely, a delight to read.
Okay. Longest review I've ever written, but I mean every word. Whether or not my husband wrote this book, I love it for its authenticity, what it captures about the high school and small town experience, and for the loveable, flawed, and fun characters who learn a lot and take us on a journey.
Five stars and this will for sure become a book I read over and over and recommend to my students throughout the years.
Bravo, Dan.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It was cute, but I have some critiques.
I can't tell the reason behind the breaks between chapters, it doesn't contribute anything to the story, the actual scenes and language felt upper ya while the writing and characters felt aimed at younger audiences. The characters are annoying, not in the 17/18 year olds sense, more in the bad characters sense. Also, what's with the many hp references? I got that the author is millennial from saying a party didn't "look like mean girls" when euphoria is right there.
Also, maybe check trigger warnings because I walked into that one unaware expecting a cute ya romance and while I got that it was way heavier towards the end.
Writing this review I realized I have way more problems with it than I thought, I'll have to lower the rating to 2.5
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for the ARC.
I can't tell the reason behind the breaks between chapters, it doesn't contribute anything to the story, the actual scenes and language felt upper ya while the writing and characters felt aimed at younger audiences. The characters are annoying, not in the 17/18 year olds sense, more in the bad characters sense. Also, what's with the many hp references? I got that the author is millennial from saying a party didn't "look like mean girls" when euphoria is right there.
Also, maybe check trigger warnings because I walked into that one unaware expecting a cute ya romance and while I got that it was way heavier towards the end.
Writing this review I realized I have way more problems with it than I thought, I'll have to lower the rating to 2.5
Thank you Netgalley and Macmillan for the ARC.
February 24, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC of Exchanged by Dan Perucco!! All opinions are my own.
Exchanged is a beautiful melodious story that I loved! It truly wasn’t what I was expecting in the best way. I couldn’t even put this book down once I started. A story that starts with a lot of misconceptions and frustrations leads to love and a found family.
This book follows Enzo, when his family hosts Garrett as an exchange student, although he literally was not what they were expecting. While they start off rocky, they begin to bond and even realize they have things in common. These two end up dealing with homophobia and the difficulties of figuring out their futures. Despite all of these hurdles they fight for love and their dreams.
Exchanged is a memorable book I’ll be thinking about for a while. I was so surprised to see that this was a debut novel and I hope to see more from this author!
Exchanged is a beautiful melodious story that I loved! It truly wasn’t what I was expecting in the best way. I couldn’t even put this book down once I started. A story that starts with a lot of misconceptions and frustrations leads to love and a found family.
This book follows Enzo, when his family hosts Garrett as an exchange student, although he literally was not what they were expecting. While they start off rocky, they begin to bond and even realize they have things in common. These two end up dealing with homophobia and the difficulties of figuring out their futures. Despite all of these hurdles they fight for love and their dreams.
Exchanged is a memorable book I’ll be thinking about for a while. I was so surprised to see that this was a debut novel and I hope to see more from this author!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Exchanged started off slow, but once I came around and got past the wild teenage angst, these boys really stole my heart. There were a few phrases that felt strange for a YA novel (like they didn't feel like a teenager would say/think them), but they didn't detract from my overall enjoyment. Enzo is a tad annoying for a bit of the book (but I mean, isn't that the job of teenage boys lol? jk jk) and Garrett is doing his best. I will say this does broach challenging topics later on in the book, so please check any potential TWs/CWs before jumping in. While I, as a hopeless romantic, wished I had more of these two and how their relationship progressed after high school, I'm absolutely not disappointed in this story. I love these two and I'm so happy I gave this debut a chance. I'm very excited to see what Dan Perucco publishes in the future.
Review of advance copy
This is the most bingeable book I've read in a long time! I usually struggle to start books but this one pulled me in from the beginning, and the journey was so fun. The romance managed to give me real butterflies that felt like I was a teenager again... like, I was eagerly anticipating every scene with Enzo and Garrett to see what would happen. So much delightful awkwardness and angst that was funny and felt relatable.
Also I have to say that the setting of this story really transported me and gave me more appreciation of what it is like growing up in a small blue-collar town, especially for someone who is drawn to creative arts. I really loved reading about a classical music nerd (Enzo) like myself.
Very excited to see what this author writes next!
Also I have to say that the setting of this story really transported me and gave me more appreciation of what it is like growing up in a small blue-collar town, especially for someone who is drawn to creative arts. I really loved reading about a classical music nerd (Enzo) like myself.
Very excited to see what this author writes next!
May 14, 2026
Thank you Macmillan Children's Publishing Group and NetGalley for the ARC!
In a hilarious mix-up, a football playing boy from Georgia (the state) greets his exchange family in Michigan (the state), who were expecting an exchange student from Georgia (the country). Enzo begrudgingly accepts this "obviously straight" jock into his home despite his disappointment, and is disgruntled further when Garrett immediately starts thriving in Michigan. The more time they spend together, the more annoyed they become with one another... until the annoyance subsides, and confusing feelings rise to the surface in its place.
I absolutely loved EXCHANGED! I was immediately taken with the premise, and it did not disappoint. Dan Perucco, who I've learned is a fellow English teacher, absolutely delivers on the blurb's promise of a "hilarious and heartwarming" debut. I was smitten with the characters, particularly Garrett, whose life back home in Georgia is nothing like Enzo imagined when he began making assumptions about him based on his looks and interests. Their romance is a sweet slow burn, but I didn't find myself bothered by how long it took to get there, as I sometimes can be with slow burns. What can I say? I'm a little impatient, but Enzo and Garrett made the waiting well worth it. I look forward to more from Perucco in the future.
Cheers on a wonderful debut, and I look forward to seeing EXCHANGED hit shelves on September 28th, 2026!
In a hilarious mix-up, a football playing boy from Georgia (the state) greets his exchange family in Michigan (the state), who were expecting an exchange student from Georgia (the country). Enzo begrudgingly accepts this "obviously straight" jock into his home despite his disappointment, and is disgruntled further when Garrett immediately starts thriving in Michigan. The more time they spend together, the more annoyed they become with one another... until the annoyance subsides, and confusing feelings rise to the surface in its place.
I absolutely loved EXCHANGED! I was immediately taken with the premise, and it did not disappoint. Dan Perucco, who I've learned is a fellow English teacher, absolutely delivers on the blurb's promise of a "hilarious and heartwarming" debut. I was smitten with the characters, particularly Garrett, whose life back home in Georgia is nothing like Enzo imagined when he began making assumptions about him based on his looks and interests. Their romance is a sweet slow burn, but I didn't find myself bothered by how long it took to get there, as I sometimes can be with slow burns. What can I say? I'm a little impatient, but Enzo and Garrett made the waiting well worth it. I look forward to more from Perucco in the future.
Cheers on a wonderful debut, and I look forward to seeing EXCHANGED hit shelves on September 28th, 2026!
June 15, 2026
book received through netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
for fans of most valuable player by a.m. woody and shippers of ryan evans and chad danforth.
i present to you a story full of tension and tender heartache about that one unexpected person who enters your life at what feels like the wrong time and challenges you when you didn’t know you needed to be.
this book surprised me in the best possible way. the writing does good at holding the anxiety and resignation about staying in your hometown when you know it’s a dead end, no matter how much you love it. many things hooked me immediately, like enzo’s dry humor alongside his and garrett’s tension. irontown’s nostalgia and comfort.
enzo and garrett’s relationship at the start was apprehension and agitation. their refusal to get to know each other because both are from different sides of america’s cultural divide and have automatic assumptions while in this foreign exchange program, where the goal is to learn and understand, is a great example of the importance of giving people grace, which is a very large part of this story.
garrett challenges enzo, and enzo returns the favor. they are a constant push and pull of making each other the best they can be.
now garrett, privileged yet dealt a horrible hand, was on some shaky ground at the beginning. the awful attitude he displayed was almost thick enough i couldn’t see through it. but his growth and learning his history made him such a beautiful character.
the theme here is to take care of yourself no matter what the cost is. reach out and take what you want because regret is the most sour emotion.
emotional ruptures, indecision about the future, uncertainty melted with excitement over new love. safe to say this is a really incredible debut.
for fans of most valuable player by a.m. woody and shippers of ryan evans and chad danforth.
i present to you a story full of tension and tender heartache about that one unexpected person who enters your life at what feels like the wrong time and challenges you when you didn’t know you needed to be.
this book surprised me in the best possible way. the writing does good at holding the anxiety and resignation about staying in your hometown when you know it’s a dead end, no matter how much you love it. many things hooked me immediately, like enzo’s dry humor alongside his and garrett’s tension. irontown’s nostalgia and comfort.
enzo and garrett’s relationship at the start was apprehension and agitation. their refusal to get to know each other because both are from different sides of america’s cultural divide and have automatic assumptions while in this foreign exchange program, where the goal is to learn and understand, is a great example of the importance of giving people grace, which is a very large part of this story.
garrett challenges enzo, and enzo returns the favor. they are a constant push and pull of making each other the best they can be.
now garrett, privileged yet dealt a horrible hand, was on some shaky ground at the beginning. the awful attitude he displayed was almost thick enough i couldn’t see through it. but his growth and learning his history made him such a beautiful character.
the theme here is to take care of yourself no matter what the cost is. reach out and take what you want because regret is the most sour emotion.
emotional ruptures, indecision about the future, uncertainty melted with excitement over new love. safe to say this is a really incredible debut.
April 29, 2026
My heart! This was such a nice big city meets small town romance. It was a slow burn but it absolutely paid off in the end! I did not want the book to end and was looking for more after I finished the last sentence.
The author did a fantastic job at the character development and sharing the reservations and challenges and good parts of each main character.
Also love to use of music to describe the emotions and the ways that the one main character felt throughout. It provided this depth that I didn’t know I would feel. It made me remember how deeply music can be felt for different people.
I definitely recommend this book! Add this to your TBR as soon as it comes out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The author did a fantastic job at the character development and sharing the reservations and challenges and good parts of each main character.
Also love to use of music to describe the emotions and the ways that the one main character felt throughout. It provided this depth that I didn’t know I would feel. It made me remember how deeply music can be felt for different people.
I definitely recommend this book! Add this to your TBR as soon as it comes out.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 10, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC of Exchanged by Dan Perucco. All opinions are my own.
The little blurb as well as the cover got me interested in this book. A very good book by first time novelist, Dan Perucco.
I went into the book thinking it was going to be a typical nerd/jock romance trope, but it surprised me with the nuances. The characters are not stereotypes. Enzo and Garrett are the two protagonists in a wonderful coming-of-age story.
I agree with another review I read that I really wanted a Garrett pov chapter just to get some of his thoughts as well as what he was doing while Enzo was off with his friends.
My favorite part was the setting of Irontown. The unique traditions, the caving grounds, the lakes, the stars; I could almost picture everything about this idyllic setting. Beautiful.
Overall, its a sweet coming-of-age story.
The little blurb as well as the cover got me interested in this book. A very good book by first time novelist, Dan Perucco.
I went into the book thinking it was going to be a typical nerd/jock romance trope, but it surprised me with the nuances. The characters are not stereotypes. Enzo and Garrett are the two protagonists in a wonderful coming-of-age story.
I agree with another review I read that I really wanted a Garrett pov chapter just to get some of his thoughts as well as what he was doing while Enzo was off with his friends.
My favorite part was the setting of Irontown. The unique traditions, the caving grounds, the lakes, the stars; I could almost picture everything about this idyllic setting. Beautiful.
Overall, its a sweet coming-of-age story.
March 25, 2026
Review of advanced copy received from NetGalley.
The story has all the ingredients for something compelling, identity, belonging, and the push and pull of leaving everything you’ve ever known.
My biggest struggle was with Enzo as a narrator. I found myself far more drawn to Garrett, and I genuinely think the story would have been better with chapters from his point of view. What was framed as a rivalry between them never really felt like one. Instead, Enzo came across as closed off and projecting hostility onto Garrett, which kind of made him unlikable as the narrator.
Saying that, Garett was a fun character to follow as you literally peel the layer by layer of who he is and his upbringing. That's what keep me motivate to keep reading.
What did resonate with me was the emotional core around family and the fear of leaving. As someone who has gone through the immigrant experience firsthand, that enmeshment, the guilt, and the sense of loyalty pulling you back felt very real. But I also found myself questioning the logic behind Enzo’s situation. I didn’t fully understand why going so far away was presented as the only option for the majority of the book. A neighboring state school or even an online program could have achieved similar goals. And financially, taking out loans and working part-time is a very real and common path for many students.
We moved from event to event, and some of the jumps felt kind of abrupt. On top of that, the ending needed more room to breathe. An extra chapter or even a short epilogue would give it a more resolved ending. I feel like there are deeper conversations that still need to be fleshed out between Enzo and Garrett before the ending.
The story has all the ingredients for something compelling, identity, belonging, and the push and pull of leaving everything you’ve ever known.
My biggest struggle was with Enzo as a narrator. I found myself far more drawn to Garrett, and I genuinely think the story would have been better with chapters from his point of view. What was framed as a rivalry between them never really felt like one. Instead, Enzo came across as closed off and projecting hostility onto Garrett, which kind of made him unlikable as the narrator.
Saying that, Garett was a fun character to follow as you literally peel the layer by layer of who he is and his upbringing. That's what keep me motivate to keep reading.
What did resonate with me was the emotional core around family and the fear of leaving. As someone who has gone through the immigrant experience firsthand, that enmeshment, the guilt, and the sense of loyalty pulling you back felt very real. But I also found myself questioning the logic behind Enzo’s situation. I didn’t fully understand why going so far away was presented as the only option for the majority of the book. A neighboring state school or even an online program could have achieved similar goals. And financially, taking out loans and working part-time is a very real and common path for many students.
We moved from event to event, and some of the jumps felt kind of abrupt. On top of that, the ending needed more room to breathe. An extra chapter or even a short epilogue would give it a more resolved ending. I feel like there are deeper conversations that still need to be fleshed out between Enzo and Garrett before the ending.
June 24, 2026
4.5/5 stars (PLEASE GOODREADS GIVE US HALF STARS)
Thank you Net Galley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was worried at the beginning I wouldn’t like the book. Enzo starts out very much an unreliable narrator, as most teenagers are. So stuck on his own thoughts and opinions to have an actual conversation with anyone. This leads to loads of misunderstandings and frustration. Things do even out and we get a lovely story about growth, found family, learning to love yourself and trusting in your own ambitions and desires. The force proximity mixed with a little bit of enemies to lovers was a nice touch. The teen angst was just the right amount as well. I would have loved an epilogue of to see where Enzo and Garrett end up in a few years. I know the open ending was on purpose, but I can’t help wanting to know!
Thank you Net Galley and the publishers for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I was worried at the beginning I wouldn’t like the book. Enzo starts out very much an unreliable narrator, as most teenagers are. So stuck on his own thoughts and opinions to have an actual conversation with anyone. This leads to loads of misunderstandings and frustration. Things do even out and we get a lovely story about growth, found family, learning to love yourself and trusting in your own ambitions and desires. The force proximity mixed with a little bit of enemies to lovers was a nice touch. The teen angst was just the right amount as well. I would have loved an epilogue of to see where Enzo and Garrett end up in a few years. I know the open ending was on purpose, but I can’t help wanting to know!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Exchanged by Dan Perucco really said, “Hey, do you want to read a YA book or accidentally unpack your personal life?” and apparently my answer was yes.
So here we go!!!
Enzo annoyed me to no end at times. Like sir... for someone who has been bullied for being different, you are doing a wildly impressive job of turning around and treating someone else the exact same way because they are not what you expected. The hypocrisy was loud. The frustration was real. I wanted to reach into the book and tell him to get it together.
And Garrett? That boy has to be the cleanest teenager alive. The number of times he comes out of the bathroom had me dying. I started noticing every single time. At one point, I was like, does this boy live in there?
I usually do not mind a one sided POV story, but this is one of those books where I was practically begging to get inside the other main character’s head. I needed Garrett’s POV badly. Desperately. Emotionally. Spiritually. I just know he had thoughts, and I wanted all of them.
What really got me though was the family dynamic. The family abandonment and hurt in this book is strong, but I appreciated that it was not handled in a super stereotypical way. As a single father, that stood out to me. I am always paying attention to stories that might reflect little pieces of life my own kids could connect with, and this one surprised me in that way.
Now the dad? Lord help me. He annoyed me to absolute hell and back in the first half of this book. The whole “I am going to protect my child by controlling every aspect of their life and never letting them grow” parenting style makes me want to scream into the void. Kids are supposed to grow up. They are supposed to make choices, make mistakes, learn, and become who they are. That is literally the assignment.
But to the book’s credit, it also gave me enough of his background to understand why he was like that. Did I agree with him? Absolutely not. Did I have more compassion for him once the layers started peeling back? Unfortunately, yes. And honestly, that is one of the things I appreciated most here. These characters are flawed. They make bad calls. They are frustrating. But they feel human. Reading them gave me space to think about how different people react to pain, fear, love, and trauma, even when I would make totally different choices myself.
And I do want to give the dad his flowers for this too. Choosing to raise children on your own is not easy. At all. For anybody. And to love your children for who they are, stand by them, and stand up for others too in a town that reads as more conservative? That mattered.
Also, I need media to calm down with the “college is impossible unless you sacrifice your firstborn child, your kidney, and your will to live” narrative. Yes, college can be expensive and stressful. Very true. But there are also options, alternative paths, and support systems out there. I would love to leave that tired storyline behind, especially in YA. This book eventually lands in a much better place with that, and I appreciated it.
One of my favorite things about this story is that even though there is brokenness in the family, it is not presented as fully broken. There is still support. There is still love. There are still siblings showing up. As someone who is not close with his own siblings, I actually really loved seeing that.
Honestly, this book made me process more of my own life than I expected, which was rude of it, but also kind of impressive.
So yes, I complained about these characters. A lot. But that is also why I enjoyed this book. I do not just want perfect characters making perfect choices. I want messy people. I want bad decisions. I want the kind of story that makes me pause and go, okay, I do not agree with you at all... but I see how you got there.
Anyway, this book was great. It frustrated me, made me think, made me reflect, and somehow got me emotionally invested while I was actively yelling at people in my head.
So obviously, I recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
So here we go!!!
Enzo annoyed me to no end at times. Like sir... for someone who has been bullied for being different, you are doing a wildly impressive job of turning around and treating someone else the exact same way because they are not what you expected. The hypocrisy was loud. The frustration was real. I wanted to reach into the book and tell him to get it together.
And Garrett? That boy has to be the cleanest teenager alive. The number of times he comes out of the bathroom had me dying. I started noticing every single time. At one point, I was like, does this boy live in there?
I usually do not mind a one sided POV story, but this is one of those books where I was practically begging to get inside the other main character’s head. I needed Garrett’s POV badly. Desperately. Emotionally. Spiritually. I just know he had thoughts, and I wanted all of them.
What really got me though was the family dynamic. The family abandonment and hurt in this book is strong, but I appreciated that it was not handled in a super stereotypical way. As a single father, that stood out to me. I am always paying attention to stories that might reflect little pieces of life my own kids could connect with, and this one surprised me in that way.
Now the dad? Lord help me. He annoyed me to absolute hell and back in the first half of this book. The whole “I am going to protect my child by controlling every aspect of their life and never letting them grow” parenting style makes me want to scream into the void. Kids are supposed to grow up. They are supposed to make choices, make mistakes, learn, and become who they are. That is literally the assignment.
But to the book’s credit, it also gave me enough of his background to understand why he was like that. Did I agree with him? Absolutely not. Did I have more compassion for him once the layers started peeling back? Unfortunately, yes. And honestly, that is one of the things I appreciated most here. These characters are flawed. They make bad calls. They are frustrating. But they feel human. Reading them gave me space to think about how different people react to pain, fear, love, and trauma, even when I would make totally different choices myself.
And I do want to give the dad his flowers for this too. Choosing to raise children on your own is not easy. At all. For anybody. And to love your children for who they are, stand by them, and stand up for others too in a town that reads as more conservative? That mattered.
Also, I need media to calm down with the “college is impossible unless you sacrifice your firstborn child, your kidney, and your will to live” narrative. Yes, college can be expensive and stressful. Very true. But there are also options, alternative paths, and support systems out there. I would love to leave that tired storyline behind, especially in YA. This book eventually lands in a much better place with that, and I appreciated it.
One of my favorite things about this story is that even though there is brokenness in the family, it is not presented as fully broken. There is still support. There is still love. There are still siblings showing up. As someone who is not close with his own siblings, I actually really loved seeing that.
Honestly, this book made me process more of my own life than I expected, which was rude of it, but also kind of impressive.
So yes, I complained about these characters. A lot. But that is also why I enjoyed this book. I do not just want perfect characters making perfect choices. I want messy people. I want bad decisions. I want the kind of story that makes me pause and go, okay, I do not agree with you at all... but I see how you got there.
Anyway, this book was great. It frustrated me, made me think, made me reflect, and somehow got me emotionally invested while I was actively yelling at people in my head.
So obviously, I recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing a copy for review.
Consummate band geek and aspiring film composer Enzo is thrilled to be hosting a fellow musician from Georgia for his senior year of high school. He's expecting a mild-mannered Eastern European exchange student to step off the plane and into his small Michigan mining community: instead, he gets Garrett, a football jock from Georgia (the state).
Pitched as "idiots-to-lovers," this queer, romantic coming-of-age debut is perfect for fans of I Kissed Shara Wheeler and The Breakup Lists. Though the tension originates from the Atlanta transplant's disdain for rural America and Enzo's defense of it, the true tension comes from the comfort of home v. the opportunities one can only find by leaving. When far away from home or looking at your own through someone else's eyes, it's only natural to question what and who home means to you. As a current expat who hosted a foreign exchange student of my own when I was in high school, this novel resonated on so many levels!
I blasted through this book in a day—it was that charming watching Enzo and Garrett rub each other the wrong way (and finally the right way!) as they navigated the culture shock of disparate regions of the US. It threw into sharp relief just how diverse (geographically, demographically, and everything in between) this country really is—many Americans could afford to use the empathy we might reserve for someone from a more exotic destination for neighbors from other states. The interstitial Global Youth Ambassadors handbook excerpts are particularly funny in the context of a "domestic exchange."
I adored Enzo's family, especially the willingness with which they (excepting Enzo at first, of course) welcomed Garrett. Enzo's complex relationship with his father's support of his identity but not his dreams was a meaty juxtaposition here!
Enzo was just judgmental enough to be relatable without crossing over into unlikable. Like so many of us, his filter only kicks in after the fact, and he humorously commits rather than retreats. The conviction with which he clings to his original (straight) impression of Garrett and his eventual capacity to admit that he was wrong is endearing. Additionally, the film score references and musicality built into Enzo's personality and perspective richly reinforced his dimensionality as a character. He becomes a fully realized creative as he describes the atmosphere of Irontown through sound. It was particularly rewarding watching him overcome his writer's block through the pieces he composes to represent the people he loves.
Though I always hope for stories with queer joy, queer trauma is still very much a reality for many. Garrett's tension between the selectively-tolerant and toxically masculine family that raised him and the unconditionally warm family he finds in Michigan is achingly well done. The novel's poignant-without-promises final line had me welling up, which never happens! Loved the narrative honesty there—unusual for a YA novel to find the balance between a HEA and the bittersweetness of young love.
Five stars, and I can't wait to see what this author writes next. I'm hoping for an equally queer sequel featuring bookish little sis Emma, with cameos galore!
Consummate band geek and aspiring film composer Enzo is thrilled to be hosting a fellow musician from Georgia for his senior year of high school. He's expecting a mild-mannered Eastern European exchange student to step off the plane and into his small Michigan mining community: instead, he gets Garrett, a football jock from Georgia (the state).
Pitched as "idiots-to-lovers," this queer, romantic coming-of-age debut is perfect for fans of I Kissed Shara Wheeler and The Breakup Lists. Though the tension originates from the Atlanta transplant's disdain for rural America and Enzo's defense of it, the true tension comes from the comfort of home v. the opportunities one can only find by leaving. When far away from home or looking at your own through someone else's eyes, it's only natural to question what and who home means to you. As a current expat who hosted a foreign exchange student of my own when I was in high school, this novel resonated on so many levels!
I blasted through this book in a day—it was that charming watching Enzo and Garrett rub each other the wrong way (and finally the right way!) as they navigated the culture shock of disparate regions of the US. It threw into sharp relief just how diverse (geographically, demographically, and everything in between) this country really is—many Americans could afford to use the empathy we might reserve for someone from a more exotic destination for neighbors from other states. The interstitial Global Youth Ambassadors handbook excerpts are particularly funny in the context of a "domestic exchange."
I adored Enzo's family, especially the willingness with which they (excepting Enzo at first, of course) welcomed Garrett. Enzo's complex relationship with his father's support of his identity but not his dreams was a meaty juxtaposition here!
Enzo was just judgmental enough to be relatable without crossing over into unlikable. Like so many of us, his filter only kicks in after the fact, and he humorously commits rather than retreats. The conviction with which he clings to his original (straight) impression of Garrett and his eventual capacity to admit that he was wrong is endearing. Additionally, the film score references and musicality built into Enzo's personality and perspective richly reinforced his dimensionality as a character. He becomes a fully realized creative as he describes the atmosphere of Irontown through sound. It was particularly rewarding watching him overcome his writer's block through the pieces he composes to represent the people he loves.
Though I always hope for stories with queer joy, queer trauma is still very much a reality for many. Garrett's tension between the selectively-tolerant and toxically masculine family that raised him and the unconditionally warm family he finds in Michigan is achingly well done. The novel's poignant-without-promises final line had me welling up, which never happens! Loved the narrative honesty there—unusual for a YA novel to find the balance between a HEA and the bittersweetness of young love.
Five stars, and I can't wait to see what this author writes next. I'm hoping for an equally queer sequel featuring bookish little sis Emma, with cameos galore!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an ARC review.
I wish books like this had existed when I was younger. This is a strong debut book for the author.
This is a wonderful YA coming-of-age gay romance that balances a little angst, a little heat, and a whole lot of sweetness. It’s closed-door when it comes to intimacy, which fits the tone of the story perfectly. Instead of leaning on explicit scenes, the emotional journey carries the narrative.
I loved how realistically the teenagers are written. They didn’t have “adult” attributes to them, which I’ve noticed can sometimes happen in YA. Tier worries and motivations felt age-appropriate; fitting in, wanting affection, navigating friendships, and craving approval from their parents.
Enzo’s internal struggle is especially relatable for me, and I’m sure will be for others too. His conflict between staying close to home and pursuing college opportunities feels deeply real, particularly when tied to his complicated relationship with his father. The way he sometimes moves toward decisions without fully understanding why he’s doing it captures something very authentic about being a teenager. It called me back to the many questionable decisions and conversations I had based on unknown emotions.
I adored Garrett and how he navigated all the curveballs that were thrown his way. I appreciated that he had varied interests and dimensions beyond just being the jock from the big city. He felt like a full person with his own life and personality.
If I had one critique, it’s that Enzo occasionally felt less varied in comparison. At times it seemed like he expected Garrett to fit into his world instead of meeting him halfway, even after some of the character growth that happens throughout the book. I would have liked to see a little more balance there.
The setting was also charming. While I’ve never been to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula myself, the portrayal reminded me strongly of stories friends have told about living there. It also brought back memories of growing up in a smaller town. The quirky local traditions, the places that are technically closed off but every teenager still sneaks into, and especially the outhouse race. Those details added so much personality to the story. I found myself laughing out loud at moments because it felt so true to small-town life.
Overall, this is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about identity, relationships, and learning how to understand both yourself and the people around you. I’d highly recommend it to teens, or anyone who enjoys YA stories focused on emotional growth and introspection.
Content-wise, readers can expect on-page kissing and a fade-to-black first sexual experience.
It’s a sweet, sincere story that captures the messy, confusing, and hopeful experience of growing up.
I wish books like this had existed when I was younger. This is a strong debut book for the author.
This is a wonderful YA coming-of-age gay romance that balances a little angst, a little heat, and a whole lot of sweetness. It’s closed-door when it comes to intimacy, which fits the tone of the story perfectly. Instead of leaning on explicit scenes, the emotional journey carries the narrative.
I loved how realistically the teenagers are written. They didn’t have “adult” attributes to them, which I’ve noticed can sometimes happen in YA. Tier worries and motivations felt age-appropriate; fitting in, wanting affection, navigating friendships, and craving approval from their parents.
Enzo’s internal struggle is especially relatable for me, and I’m sure will be for others too. His conflict between staying close to home and pursuing college opportunities feels deeply real, particularly when tied to his complicated relationship with his father. The way he sometimes moves toward decisions without fully understanding why he’s doing it captures something very authentic about being a teenager. It called me back to the many questionable decisions and conversations I had based on unknown emotions.
I adored Garrett and how he navigated all the curveballs that were thrown his way. I appreciated that he had varied interests and dimensions beyond just being the jock from the big city. He felt like a full person with his own life and personality.
If I had one critique, it’s that Enzo occasionally felt less varied in comparison. At times it seemed like he expected Garrett to fit into his world instead of meeting him halfway, even after some of the character growth that happens throughout the book. I would have liked to see a little more balance there.
The setting was also charming. While I’ve never been to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula myself, the portrayal reminded me strongly of stories friends have told about living there. It also brought back memories of growing up in a smaller town. The quirky local traditions, the places that are technically closed off but every teenager still sneaks into, and especially the outhouse race. Those details added so much personality to the story. I found myself laughing out loud at moments because it felt so true to small-town life.
Overall, this is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about identity, relationships, and learning how to understand both yourself and the people around you. I’d highly recommend it to teens, or anyone who enjoys YA stories focused on emotional growth and introspection.
Content-wise, readers can expect on-page kissing and a fade-to-black first sexual experience.
It’s a sweet, sincere story that captures the messy, confusing, and hopeful experience of growing up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I requested and received an eARC of
Exchanged
by Dan Perucco via NetGalley. Enzo Rossi looks forward to hosting a foreign exchange student in his in Irontown, Michigan. It may not be an ideal location, but Davit from Georgia (the country) sounds like a charming guess. Unfortunately, when the Rossis arrive at the airport to pick up, they're greeted instead by Garret Anderson from George (the state). Being forced into close proximity with a seemingly straight, Football playing boy from the South was not on Enzo's bingo card. Enzo writes Garrett off as spoiled and cocky, and Garrett thinks Enzo is too stuck up for own hometown. Yet, the longer they're thrown together, the harder it is for both boys to keep their guard up.
Enzo is a really great gay protagonist for young audiences. I could see a lot of my young self in him, especially in the defenses he builds around himself in order to stave off the ridicule of his straight peers. I too was told that it was clear that I thought I was better than others, when in reality I was just different. I really appreciated the familial support that he receives throughout the book, and how Perucco complicates this dynamic with Enzo’s lingering decision over college and his future. I really thought this element of the story was nicely done, because in reality it is a big decision for any teenager make and many like Enzo have other economic factors that must be taken into account.
I found Garrett to be equally compelling as a character. Far too often in fiction there’s this idea that you simply come out and everything is magically better. I appreciated how his stories contrasted with Enzo’s and how the two of them were able to learn from one another. I also appreciated the pacing of the development of their romance, the story really allows for their friendship and interest to develop in a natural and believable way. Exchanged isn’t simply a story about an exchange student and a littlle crush. It’s a story that teaches patience, understanding, and the value of vulnerability. These are all important lessons for any YA reader, but especially those who are queer. It was a sweet and entertaining read that I am sure will delight many readers.
Enzo is a really great gay protagonist for young audiences. I could see a lot of my young self in him, especially in the defenses he builds around himself in order to stave off the ridicule of his straight peers. I too was told that it was clear that I thought I was better than others, when in reality I was just different. I really appreciated the familial support that he receives throughout the book, and how Perucco complicates this dynamic with Enzo’s lingering decision over college and his future. I really thought this element of the story was nicely done, because in reality it is a big decision for any teenager make and many like Enzo have other economic factors that must be taken into account.
I found Garrett to be equally compelling as a character. Far too often in fiction there’s this idea that you simply come out and everything is magically better. I appreciated how his stories contrasted with Enzo’s and how the two of them were able to learn from one another. I also appreciated the pacing of the development of their romance, the story really allows for their friendship and interest to develop in a natural and believable way. Exchanged isn’t simply a story about an exchange student and a littlle crush. It’s a story that teaches patience, understanding, and the value of vulnerability. These are all important lessons for any YA reader, but especially those who are queer. It was a sweet and entertaining read that I am sure will delight many readers.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.75⭐️
When I started reading this, I immediately got the vibes from my favorite TV ships, Thiam from Teen Wolf and Jasher (Jordan/Asher) from All American. - Sorry not sorry for the rabbit hole if you look those up and end up shipping them too. 😏
While I did notice the "HP" references, they didn't deter me. Now, yes, I don't agree with what JKR stands for, but I don't make it my whole personality, and I really didn't see it as a negative in this story; to be honest didn't really care about the references themselves, just the repetitive nature of them.
Moving on, I felt like I was on a small rollercoaster with Enzo and Garrett, and each time I found myself thinking: "That was so Thiam coded" or "That was so Jasher coded." There were times I just wanted to hug Garrett, and other times I wanted to shout at my Kindle, "JUST RUN AWAY." (Which I know is not possible LMAO.) I also found Garrett to be a Golden Retriever, which I loved about him! Especially when he says he doesn't have to try hard anymore to make people love him; people already do!
Enzo, there were times I wanted to shake him a little and realize that sometimes doing what scares you and what is best for you means hurting the people you love, even if it's just for a short period of time. I do relate to Enzo, as someone who wants to attend College in Los Angeles. I know I'd worry about my family back home, but at the same time, this is what's best for me, my mental health (I'd long to have the same relationship Enzo has with his dad, but alas, I don't), and my happiness. Will it hurt my family being so far away? Yeah, but for a better life, it's worth that risk.
The story as a whole was captivating, and I found myself still reading well past 4 AM. I was hooked, and I found the depth of all the characters and the town very lifelike, which rarely happens when I read a book. I definitely will be reading more of Dan's books going forward, and I thoroughly enjoyed this Debut
I received this ARC from NetGalley, and I'm leaving my honest review!
When I started reading this, I immediately got the vibes from my favorite TV ships, Thiam from Teen Wolf and Jasher (Jordan/Asher) from All American. - Sorry not sorry for the rabbit hole if you look those up and end up shipping them too. 😏
While I did notice the "HP" references, they didn't deter me. Now, yes, I don't agree with what JKR stands for, but I don't make it my whole personality, and I really didn't see it as a negative in this story; to be honest didn't really care about the references themselves, just the repetitive nature of them.
Moving on, I felt like I was on a small rollercoaster with Enzo and Garrett, and each time I found myself thinking: "That was so Thiam coded" or "That was so Jasher coded." There were times I just wanted to hug Garrett, and other times I wanted to shout at my Kindle, "JUST RUN AWAY." (Which I know is not possible LMAO.) I also found Garrett to be a Golden Retriever, which I loved about him! Especially when he says he doesn't have to try hard anymore to make people love him; people already do!
Enzo, there were times I wanted to shake him a little and realize that sometimes doing what scares you and what is best for you means hurting the people you love, even if it's just for a short period of time. I do relate to Enzo, as someone who wants to attend College in Los Angeles. I know I'd worry about my family back home, but at the same time, this is what's best for me, my mental health (I'd long to have the same relationship Enzo has with his dad, but alas, I don't), and my happiness. Will it hurt my family being so far away? Yeah, but for a better life, it's worth that risk.
The story as a whole was captivating, and I found myself still reading well past 4 AM. I was hooked, and I found the depth of all the characters and the town very lifelike, which rarely happens when I read a book. I definitely will be reading more of Dan's books going forward, and I thoroughly enjoyed this Debut
I received this ARC from NetGalley, and I'm leaving my honest review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This may have been one of my favorite books I’ve read all August. Exchanged is a YA MM romance that begins with a quirky, seemingly innocuous misunderstanding (an exchange student comes to small-town Michigan from Georgia, the state, not the country like his host family expects) and builds to a truly moving HFN for our main characters: Enzo, the host family’s son with guilt-inducing dreams of leaving his small town and family to study music composition at a faraway college, and Garrett, the exchange student who finds more than he ever expected out of a situation he was forced into.
There is so much in this book to love. The warm, supportive relationships between Enzo, Joe, Liz, and Emma and the fraught ones between Garrett and his parents offer contrapuntal case studies in the definitions of family and love. I straight-up cried when Enzo's dad reveals what he did financially to help Enzo chase his dream, after being terrified that he would lose Enzo once he left. There's a beautiful tension in Enzo's choice between staying in Irontown or leaving, neither of which is ever lionized or vilified because neither option is necessarily right or wrong, and I appreciated Perucco's trust in the reader to understand that. The novel is also well-crafted structurally, with plenty of payoffs for Chekhov's gun moments and well-timed, gradual revelations of Garrett's backstory.
My favorite aspect of the book was Perucco's evocative aural and visual descriptions. Enzo's encyclopedic knowledge of movie themes and the scoring of his own life's soundtrack added a layer of meaningful, sensory depth to his experiences, and the lush and almost tactile descriptions of the colors of the Michigan sky or the bite of wintry weather made you feel like you were there seeing and feeling it yourself. I cannot express fully how much I enjoyed this book, and I’m so excited to see what’s next from Dan Perucco.
There is so much in this book to love. The warm, supportive relationships between Enzo, Joe, Liz, and Emma and the fraught ones between Garrett and his parents offer contrapuntal case studies in the definitions of family and love. I straight-up cried when Enzo's dad reveals what he did financially to help Enzo chase his dream, after being terrified that he would lose Enzo once he left. There's a beautiful tension in Enzo's choice between staying in Irontown or leaving, neither of which is ever lionized or vilified because neither option is necessarily right or wrong, and I appreciated Perucco's trust in the reader to understand that. The novel is also well-crafted structurally, with plenty of payoffs for Chekhov's gun moments and well-timed, gradual revelations of Garrett's backstory.
My favorite aspect of the book was Perucco's evocative aural and visual descriptions. Enzo's encyclopedic knowledge of movie themes and the scoring of his own life's soundtrack added a layer of meaningful, sensory depth to his experiences, and the lush and almost tactile descriptions of the colors of the Michigan sky or the bite of wintry weather made you feel like you were there seeing and feeling it yourself. I cannot express fully how much I enjoyed this book, and I’m so excited to see what’s next from Dan Perucco.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Enzo Rossi knows that his mining town in Michigan isn’t any foreign exchange student’s top destination, but during his senior year of high school he’s excited to welcome his exchange student from Georgia (the country). So when Garrett Andersen steps off the plane with a Southern accent…they quickly piece together that Garrett is from Georgia (the state). What’s worse is that Garrett is a handsome football jock from an Atlanta suburb, while Enzo is more of the quiet music nerd in a small Midwestern town; and now they’re stuck across the hall from each other as Garrett’s host family. But as the guards begin to come down, will they find much more in common?
I cannot believe this was Dan Perucco's debut novel! It was such a cute YA/MM romance, with a surprising amount of heart! There’s so much depth to both characters’ lives: from overbearing familial expectations, uncertain futures after high school, discovering sexuality, and even a bit of urban/rural wealthy/poor divide. Enzo is so adorably nerdy with his obsession with cinema scoring, and we all know just how easy it is to fall for the charming football star. What sets Exchange apart though is just how accessible it is as a YA book, but full of heart and emotional depth that is rare to find in MM romances. Put your casserole in the oven and sit down to read this one; you won’t be able to stop!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
🥘 love a good tater tot hot dish or using the word “pop” for soda
🏳️🌈 have ever said “I can’t be homophobic, I’m gay!”
🏈 still root for Carl Nassib
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Many thanks to Macmillan Children's Publishing Group & Farrar, Straus and Giroux for the #gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
Enzo Rossi knows that his mining town in Michigan isn’t any foreign exchange student’s top destination, but during his senior year of high school he’s excited to welcome his exchange student from Georgia (the country). So when Garrett Andersen steps off the plane with a Southern accent…they quickly piece together that Garrett is from Georgia (the state). What’s worse is that Garrett is a handsome football jock from an Atlanta suburb, while Enzo is more of the quiet music nerd in a small Midwestern town; and now they’re stuck across the hall from each other as Garrett’s host family. But as the guards begin to come down, will they find much more in common?
I cannot believe this was Dan Perucco's debut novel! It was such a cute YA/MM romance, with a surprising amount of heart! There’s so much depth to both characters’ lives: from overbearing familial expectations, uncertain futures after high school, discovering sexuality, and even a bit of urban/rural wealthy/poor divide. Enzo is so adorably nerdy with his obsession with cinema scoring, and we all know just how easy it is to fall for the charming football star. What sets Exchange apart though is just how accessible it is as a YA book, but full of heart and emotional depth that is rare to find in MM romances. Put your casserole in the oven and sit down to read this one; you won’t be able to stop!
Reviewed as part of an #ARC from #NetGalley.
Read this book if you:
🥘 love a good tater tot hot dish or using the word “pop” for soda
🏳️🌈 have ever said “I can’t be homophobic, I’m gay!”
🏈 still root for Carl Nassib
Follow me on Instagram for more book reviews!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Roaring Brook Press and Netgalley for this eARC, these opinions are my own. Ok so it’s super early but I couldn’t help it, this book sounded so good, and it was! Enzo has spent his whole life growing up in a small town, and it’s not that he doesn’t love Irontown Michigan, he does, but he also wants to be a composer and that won’t happen here. Plus not much ever changes in his town so when his family suggests they host an exchange student, someone from the country of Georgia, who also happens to be into music and board games, Enzo jumps at the chance. Only the guy who comes off the plan doesn’t look like he’s from another country and he doesn’t sound like it either. Turns out there was a miscommunication and Garrett is from the state of Georgia. Garrett is the opposite of everything Enzo hoped for. He’s a jock who’s all cocky arrogance who everyone seems to love. And he’s hot, why does he have to be hot? It also turns out that he thinks he’s too good for Irontown. Enzo can’t stand him but the more they are forced to be around each other the more he’ll see that Garett might not be so bad. But he shouldn’t get too close to a straight guy right? Garrett’s straight right? But soon Enzo’s not so sure. And if not could Garrett possibly return his feelings? And they’ll only be in each other’s lives for a year so what does it matter anyway? It shouldn’t should it? A heartwarming and heartbreaking story! I enjoyed both Enzo and Garrett’s journey! Dan Perucco tells a deep story of small town life, homophobia, acceptance, love, and standing up for oneself! It’s a quick read that I couldn’t put down!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The rating I am giving is for the story and not for certain mentions within this story, I will get to that later.
I loved the overall story. I thought it was a lovely mix of self-acceptance, found family and first love. I went into Exchanged thinking it would just be a fun rom-com without much more to it. However, this book really unpacked a lot of worries teens have not only surrounding school but what comes after along with some heavier elements like homophobia, abandonment, and mentions of child abuse.
The chemistry between the two characters was there from the start and you feel a lot of the push and pull they have as you read and as you see them stepping out of their comfort zones and into what they want. Whether it's to step into the unknown of moving far from home or into accepting yourself and being done with toxic people even if it costs you your family.
The heavier aspects of this book were handled so well and pushed the further development of a character instead of just throwing it into the book without purpose.
Based on these things I would absolutely recommend this book!
Now for the problematic part. Why on earth is Harry Potter mentioned in this book, a queer YA rom-com, when JK Rowling has done nothing but harm to the queer community especially trans youth. While the characters here are not trans I believe that a trans kid could pick this up and connect with the characters but would be incredibly hurt by the HP references. I understand that it was used because of the score but there are much better films for score especially given how it never won an Oscar for it (yes I checked).
Thank you to Netgalley and McMillan for the ARC.
I loved the overall story. I thought it was a lovely mix of self-acceptance, found family and first love. I went into Exchanged thinking it would just be a fun rom-com without much more to it. However, this book really unpacked a lot of worries teens have not only surrounding school but what comes after along with some heavier elements like homophobia, abandonment, and mentions of child abuse.
The chemistry between the two characters was there from the start and you feel a lot of the push and pull they have as you read and as you see them stepping out of their comfort zones and into what they want. Whether it's to step into the unknown of moving far from home or into accepting yourself and being done with toxic people even if it costs you your family.
The heavier aspects of this book were handled so well and pushed the further development of a character instead of just throwing it into the book without purpose.
Based on these things I would absolutely recommend this book!
Now for the problematic part. Why on earth is Harry Potter mentioned in this book, a queer YA rom-com, when JK Rowling has done nothing but harm to the queer community especially trans youth. While the characters here are not trans I believe that a trans kid could pick this up and connect with the characters but would be incredibly hurt by the HP references. I understand that it was used because of the score but there are much better films for score especially given how it never won an Oscar for it (yes I checked).
Thank you to Netgalley and McMillan for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book pulled me, I was excited by the fun premise and the intriguing characters. I was really excited to see what this story would hold and how it would unfold. It was an enjoyable story with a cool premise that tackled some tough topics.
And ... while the story felt like it covered tricky topics well, created space for characters to be lived in and real, and overall would have been a great YA book, it ultimately left me struggling. It is the year 2026, and I really struggled with the multiple Harry Potter mentions. This book is about LGBTQIA+ characters and yet it platforms a story whose author is loud about supporting anti-trans movements. As part of the queer community it feels icky to highlight JK Rowling's work. She is actively supporting anti-trans legislation. Trans rights are human rights. I felt like there are so many other ways we could highlight Enzo's love of music and composition without giving her a platform and it feels like a choice to choose to use Harry Potter as an avenue to do that-- especially with no challenges to JK Rowlings beliefs in the text.
I wanted to rate this book higher as it was a story well told, but I can't. I will leave it up to other readers to choose if they would like to read, for me I am really sad that a book that took care with a character who couldn't be himself with his parents would platform an author actively hurting the community as a whole. Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
And ... while the story felt like it covered tricky topics well, created space for characters to be lived in and real, and overall would have been a great YA book, it ultimately left me struggling. It is the year 2026, and I really struggled with the multiple Harry Potter mentions. This book is about LGBTQIA+ characters and yet it platforms a story whose author is loud about supporting anti-trans movements. As part of the queer community it feels icky to highlight JK Rowling's work. She is actively supporting anti-trans legislation. Trans rights are human rights. I felt like there are so many other ways we could highlight Enzo's love of music and composition without giving her a platform and it feels like a choice to choose to use Harry Potter as an avenue to do that-- especially with no challenges to JK Rowlings beliefs in the text.
I wanted to rate this book higher as it was a story well told, but I can't. I will leave it up to other readers to choose if they would like to read, for me I am really sad that a book that took care with a character who couldn't be himself with his parents would platform an author actively hurting the community as a whole. Thank you to the publisher for providing an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Dan Perucco for allowing me early access to read and review this book.
When it comes to a star rating for this book, I have shifted my scale to reflect the fact that this is YA and is not written to target my age group or reading level.
I gave this book a solid 4 star review, it was funny, and cute and touched on some really heavy topics that I think are important for young readers. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters, I find "idiots to lovers" to be a very accurate description for the relationship between Enzo and Garrett.
I enjoyed the themes of found family, and the message of acceptance and self love while also touching on the fact that it is okay to not want to leave everything you know behind and how complex and messy life can be even with your blood relatives.
some of the story line is a little predictable which is pretty normal for YA but the conversations about self acceptance, family values, pressure from family and surroundings, and anxiety about the future are very real and relatable.
my favorite side character was Enzo's cousin Gloria because she is just like me.
I think for a debut novel this is a very well written and sweet story that I can see being helpful to many teens that may find themselves in similar positions.
if you enjoy banter, found family, enemies/idiots to lovers, and BL I think you will find everything you need in this book.
When it comes to a star rating for this book, I have shifted my scale to reflect the fact that this is YA and is not written to target my age group or reading level.
I gave this book a solid 4 star review, it was funny, and cute and touched on some really heavy topics that I think are important for young readers. I enjoyed the banter between the two main characters, I find "idiots to lovers" to be a very accurate description for the relationship between Enzo and Garrett.
I enjoyed the themes of found family, and the message of acceptance and self love while also touching on the fact that it is okay to not want to leave everything you know behind and how complex and messy life can be even with your blood relatives.
some of the story line is a little predictable which is pretty normal for YA but the conversations about self acceptance, family values, pressure from family and surroundings, and anxiety about the future are very real and relatable.
my favorite side character was Enzo's cousin Gloria because she is just like me.
I think for a debut novel this is a very well written and sweet story that I can see being helpful to many teens that may find themselves in similar positions.
if you enjoy banter, found family, enemies/idiots to lovers, and BL I think you will find everything you need in this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗼𝗳 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝗴𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝘆
This was such a cute and heartfelt story about two boys who were never supposed to meet but somehow end up changing each other’s lives.
The story follows Enzo, whose family is expecting to host an exchange student from Georgia the country. Instead, they end up with Garrett, a confident football player from Georgia… the state. What starts as a hilarious mix-up quickly turns into a rocky beginning full of misunderstandings, teasing, and frustration.
As the story unfolds, Enzo and Garrett slowly begin to realize they might have more in common than they first thought. Their bond grows in the most unexpected ways, turning awkward moments and arguments into something deeper and more meaningful.
Beyond the romance, the book also touches on heavier topics like homophobia, identity, and the uncertainty of figuring out the future. Watching them navigate those struggles while still fighting for their dreams and for each other made their journey feel even more real and emotional.
I’m honestly still surprised that this is a debut novel from Dan Perucco. The characters felt authentic, the humor landed perfectly, and the emotional moments truly stood out.
Overall, this was a sweet, funny, and heartfelt YA romance about misunderstandings, growth, and finding love where you least expect it.
This was such a cute and heartfelt story about two boys who were never supposed to meet but somehow end up changing each other’s lives.
The story follows Enzo, whose family is expecting to host an exchange student from Georgia the country. Instead, they end up with Garrett, a confident football player from Georgia… the state. What starts as a hilarious mix-up quickly turns into a rocky beginning full of misunderstandings, teasing, and frustration.
As the story unfolds, Enzo and Garrett slowly begin to realize they might have more in common than they first thought. Their bond grows in the most unexpected ways, turning awkward moments and arguments into something deeper and more meaningful.
Beyond the romance, the book also touches on heavier topics like homophobia, identity, and the uncertainty of figuring out the future. Watching them navigate those struggles while still fighting for their dreams and for each other made their journey feel even more real and emotional.
I’m honestly still surprised that this is a debut novel from Dan Perucco. The characters felt authentic, the humor landed perfectly, and the emotional moments truly stood out.
Overall, this was a sweet, funny, and heartfelt YA romance about misunderstandings, growth, and finding love where you least expect it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amazing, heartwarming debut novel. Enzo and Garrett are total opposites, yet they see in each other what others don’t. The support they receive from their community, family, and peers highlights the clear difference in the environments they were raised in. Some scenes were disheartening because of the blatant display of homophobia, especially when it came from those who are supposed to be there for you, but there were also tender moments that balanced it out.
I loved the incorporation of Enzo’s love of music and composing into his inspirations, and Garrett’s love of photography, where he captures the small moments that people don’t think twice about. It painted a vivid picture of who they are as individuals and how they express feelings and emotions that can be hard to bottle up. Their relationship, from dislike to love, was really cute, and I wish we had seen more of them as a happy couple.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC.
I loved the incorporation of Enzo’s love of music and composing into his inspirations, and Garrett’s love of photography, where he captures the small moments that people don’t think twice about. It painted a vivid picture of who they are as individuals and how they express feelings and emotions that can be hard to bottle up. Their relationship, from dislike to love, was really cute, and I wish we had seen more of them as a happy couple.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This story of embracing differences and learning that sometimes blood is not thicker than water was tender and emotional. I enjoyed reading about Enzo and Garrett as they learned that they were both going through struggles and that both were valid. I think that many of my teen patrons will enjoy this book, and I look forward to suggesting it to them.
The only thing that I did not enjoy was the multiple references to Harry Potter. Perhaps this isn't as much of a problem if you aren't trans/nb, but JKR has done some seriously hurtful and malicious things, so having to read about the 'beautiful music of Harry Potter' multiple times in a queer story was off-putting. There were times I almost DNF'd the book because of it. If you're in the queer community, you should know about JKR and her blatant TERFism, so referencing the series multiple times felt a little tone deaf.
The only thing that I did not enjoy was the multiple references to Harry Potter. Perhaps this isn't as much of a problem if you aren't trans/nb, but JKR has done some seriously hurtful and malicious things, so having to read about the 'beautiful music of Harry Potter' multiple times in a queer story was off-putting. There were times I almost DNF'd the book because of it. If you're in the queer community, you should know about JKR and her blatant TERFism, so referencing the series multiple times felt a little tone deaf.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
DNF at 75%
Man, I wanted to finish this one because it has a lot of heart and I like the characters and the struggles they face, plus the rural great lakes region of it all makes the story so relatable to me...but there are simply too many Harry Potter references to ignore.
These references made me put the ARC down months ago and I just can't bring myself to finish it despite otherwise enjoying the story. I just don't think that a queer book should be platforming one of the most famous TERFs in the world in the year 2026. I don't understand how the book got to the point of ARCs without someone saying, "hey, these references are inconsequential in the grand scheme of the story. We should take them out to make the book more inclusive."
Trans rights are human rights
Man, I wanted to finish this one because it has a lot of heart and I like the characters and the struggles they face, plus the rural great lakes region of it all makes the story so relatable to me...but there are simply too many Harry Potter references to ignore.
These references made me put the ARC down months ago and I just can't bring myself to finish it despite otherwise enjoying the story. I just don't think that a queer book should be platforming one of the most famous TERFs in the world in the year 2026. I don't understand how the book got to the point of ARCs without someone saying, "hey, these references are inconsequential in the grand scheme of the story. We should take them out to make the book more inclusive."
Trans rights are human rights
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was lucky enough to read an advanced copy of Exchanged. I wasn't sure what to expect, but this book hit it out of the park for me. I genuinely laughed and cried multiple times, and the story has stayed with me. So many thoughtful themes about authenticity, what it means to find home, what it means to leave home, and how we navigate difference. Beyond that, it was just a really fun ride and had lots of great dialogue. I've already pre-ordered my copy, and I'm excited to share it when the book is released.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is an adorable queer romance that highlights the value of acceptance and the importance of found family. Both boys struggle with different self esteem issues. With the help of their friends, and the power of their families, good and bad, they have to make some incredibly tough life choices. I love a realistic YA book that has some grit to it! Kids in high school fall in love, get picked on, have terrible parents, and have to make difficult financial choices about college that impact them for the rest of their lives. This is a must read for any high schooler.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you are in your feels after the end of Heartstopper, this is the perfect book. The music boy x sports boy pairing is super cute. I loved every moment between these two! The chemistry was adorable, but it was also underpinned by very real emotions and depth. The Northern Michigan setting was so well done and I love the way the setting took on a role of it's own. I really really recommend this one!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Absolutely adorable- I could not put it down! A thoughtful YA about one high school senior who gets an exchange student from Georgia-the state, not the country as had been expected. A slow-burn gay romance where everyone Lears about themselves and their families and found families. Highly recommend for everyone who needs a PG Heated Rivalry (okay a hint of more than PG but closed door).
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